Named scholarships

When it comes to earning a college degree, the greatest obstacle can be funding.

For this reason, The University of Akron is pleased for the opportunity each year to assist talented, deserving students achieve their dreams, thanks to more than 1,300 named scholarships established through the kindness and generosity of thousands of UA alumni and friends, corporations, and foundations.

Scholarships truly are the best way to ensure that today’s students persist to graduation. Scholarships allow students to enroll full time and remain focused on their studies; they also reduce drop-out rates, decrease the stress of student loans, and shorten the road to graduation.

The need for scholarships grows each year, however, as students continue to face an increased financial burden in pursuit of a college degree. In fact, 94 percent of today’s baccalaureate students borrow to pay for college – versus just 45 percent in 1993. Across the country, the average college-related debt for borrowers in the class of 2016 was $37,172; for Ohio students, that figure was $30,239.

If you are interested in making a significant contribution to student success, please consider a gift to the MAKING A DIFFERENCE AND MOVING FORWARD scholarship campaign, which is the University's most important initiative. You may also establish a named scholarship at The University of Akron, which can be created to honor a living person, in memory of a loved one, or to contribute to the growth of an area of study.

To learn more, please contact the Department of Development at 330-972-7238.

How do I apply for a scholarship?

This is not the page to apply for scholarships.

Students who want to apply for scholarships should visit the scholarship page on the Financial Aid site.

The Department of Development does not accept applications for or distribute scholarships. Scholarships are distributed through the University’s Office of Student Financial Aid.

Search for a Named Scholarship

Cramblette/Cunningham Scholarship

The Cramblette/Cunningham Scholarship was established by University of Akron alumnus Letitia (Tish) Cunningham, class of 1939, in memory of her sister, Edith ’36. The scholarship supports students with financial need enrolled in The University of Akron Honors Program.

It was due to her sister’s support and the National Youth Administration (NYA) job program that Tish Cunningham was able to enter college. During the Great Depression of the 1930s, their parents could afford to send only one daughter to college at a time. Consequently, Edith dropped out after her junior year, giving Tish the opportunity to enroll in The University of Akron. Married to Donn Cramblette in 1940, Edith raised a son and daughter and lived most of her life in Akron. She died in 1994.

At the University, Tish, a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, spent most of her time where her heart was – working on The Buchtelite as a columnist, reporter, and business manager. This activity led to her subsequent career in public relations. After college she worked at the Akron Chamber of Commerce, served overseas with the American Red Cross during World War II, and was briefly at Akron’s famous department store, Polsky’s, before moving to New York City. There she was vice president and account executive of a public relations agency before retiring to California.

Just as Tish is deeply appreciative of the help she received in attending college, The University of Akron is fortunate to have her support. It is, indeed, an honor to establish a legacy in her name and that of Edith Cramblette.